The high occurrence of depression in the general population requires that healthcare professionals be prepared to understand it in its multiple determinants. This essay followed a biopsychosocial perspective of analyzing the literature, gathering information about risk factors and protective factors associated with depression symptoms. The literature analysis showed that depression, though multifactorial, often is associated with interpersonal problems that can be solved by improving social skills. Social skills contribute to the reduction of depression symptoms as they modify the conditions of the person's living environment, including the construction of social support, increased self-confidence and self-esteem in interpersonal relationships, stress reduction and an increase of social reinforcers in general. Applying programs of social skills promotion in the recovery of people with depression, the need for more specific research within the theme and some research questions for further study is discussed.
Depression; Social skills; Stress; Emotional stress
